The bodies of the victims - named as Brian and Karen Short and their teenage children - were found a their lakeside mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It is thought the couple and the youngsters - Cole, 17, Madison, 15, and Brooklyn, 14 - had suffered gunshot wounds.

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The incident occurred at the $2million property in Lake Minnetonka's Saint Albans Bay, according to the Hennepin County Dispatch.

South Lake Minnetonka Police Chief Mike Siitari told KSTP-TV that police were called to the home when no one was seen or heard from for several days.

He added that the children did not show up for school this week.

The deaths were confirmed by Mr Short's company website, AllNurses.com.

Massacre: Brian Short was found dead

A statement on the site read: "It is with great regret and a very heavy heart that I have to share some very sad news with you. There is no easy way to say this.

"We just found out this afternoon that Brian and his family have passed away. The news is calling it an apparent murder-suicide, but this has not been verified by the authorities and details have not yet been released.

Grim discovery: Lake Minnetonka's Saint Albans Bay

"No matter what the details are, the results are still the same…..a very tragic loss for the extended families, friends, co-workers, and this nursing community.

"Please use this thread to post you comments of condolence and gratitude for Brian who created this wonderful nursing community that has benefitted so many."